Antigua Holidays

Antigua is a beautiful resort island located within the tranquil and inviting waters of the West Indies.  With an area of only 281 square kilometres, this island (meaning “ancient” in Spanish is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.  This has much to do with its pristine beaches, its welcoming culture and its selection of luxury accommodations.  32,000 people are said to live in the capital of St. John's while the remainder are spread out in smaller villages and towns throughout the island.  Let's take a closer look at some pertinent tourist information.

Airports and Transportation

VC Bird International Airport (ANU) is found only 8 kilometres outside of the capital of St. John's.  A new terminal has been erected in recent years. This is intended to accommodate the growing number of travellers.  As of 2014, this airport served approximately 920,000 passengers although this figure is expected to grow into the future.  Some primary airlines which service this hub include:

• Air Canada
• American Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Thomas Cook Airlines
• United Airlines

Transportation from the airport to the capital of St. John's can be accomplished via car, taxi, bus or an airport shuttle service.

Hotels and Accommodations

We should mention here that there are normally a selection of package holidays to enjoy.  Cheap flights and bargain hotel prices are two benefits of choosing such an option.  Some of the most respected hotels on the island include Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort, The Villa at Sunset Lane and Cocobay Resort.  

Other boutique properties dot the island; many of these are quite close to the shores of the beaches here.  Antigua is also known for its splendid selection of luxury spas.  If these are of interest, it is wise to determine which package holidays offer such properties within their total programme. 

Antigua Attractions

Many will arrive here for the beaches alone.  It therefore makes sense to mention some of the truly amazing location.  Stretches of sand such as Darkwood Beach, Runaway Beach and English Harbour are truly spectacular in their ability to provide panoramic views of the sapphire-blue waters.  It should still be mentioned that the best beaches will also tend to be the most crowded during the height of the tourist season (from May until September).  

Other notable attractions here include The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John's Cathedral and Fort James (an ancient English fort).  

When to Visit

While Antigua is splendid during the summer months, tropical storms and powerful hurricanes have been known to devastate the island from time to time.  The height of this season runs from late July through until late October.  Visiting during the late autumn and through until the early spring is the best way to avoid such possibilities.  The number of tourists will also be reduced.  Bargains in regards to hotels and last-minute flights are two other advantages that should never be overlooked.  As with any  package holiday, it is always best to book reservations well in advance of the intended departure date.